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Johnson County Commission approves new mass‑notification system and siren option, amends budget
Summary
On Feb. 9 the Johnson County Commission voted to replace the county’s Code Red system with an EMA‑managed cloud notification platform and approved a siren‑inclusive option, directing a general‑fund transfer into EMA to cover the first‑year cost (packet lists the siren option first‑year cost in the ~$37,000 range).
The Johnson County Commission voted Feb. 9 to replace the county’s Code Red mass‑notification system with a new cloud‑based platform managed by the county Emergency Management Agency and approved the siren‑inclusive option, directing a transfer from the general fund into EMA to cover the first year.
The chair said the packet included two contract options — one without sirens and one with sirens — and that the first‑year, siren‑inclusive cost listed in the materials was substantially higher than the non‑siren option. "I think $14,000 is a small price to pay for our citizen safety and the delay in a weather emergency," the chair said during debate.
EMA Director Josh Wickham told commissioners the system is web‑based and could be accessed at dispatch stations to reduce lag in activating sirens or sending alerts. He also said the county currently operates 18 sirens; some municipalities, including Bridgeport and Stevens, operate their sirens independently and have not indicated an immediate interest in joining the new system.
The commission approved an amendment to the general fund and the EMA budget to fund the first year of the siren‑inclusive option by voice vote. The packet available to commissioners lists the siren‑inclusive first‑year cost in the roughly $37,000 range and shows a roughly $14,000 first‑year difference between the two options; ongoing maintenance fees for years two through five were also included in the packet.
Votes at a glance • Agenda approval (Feb. 9 agenda as amended): approved (voice vote). • Jan. 28 meeting minutes: approved (voice vote). • Mass‑notification system, siren‑inclusive option and budget transfer into EMA: motion to amend the general fund and transfer funds into EMA approved (voice vote; exact tally not specified on the record). • Payment for wayfinding/mile markers on County Road 17 ($7,926 as presented): approved (voice vote).
What it means The county will move from the existing Code Red platform to the new EMA‑managed system and has chosen the option that includes activation of sirens in addition to the cloud‑based push alerts. Commissioners said the additional first‑year cost was justified by potential reductions in delay during severe‑weather events and by greater direct control for dispatch. The packet indicates the county will carry maintenance costs into years two through five under the selected contract.
Next steps Staff will execute contracts consistent with the approved option and post the budget amendment in the appropriate county records. Municipalities that currently run independent sirens (Bridgeport and Stevens) were noted as not currently joining the county system; county staff said that remains an option for future consideration.
